In a new study from Texas Biomedical Research Institute, researchers found a promising drug candidate to minimize uncontrolled, erratic muscle movements, called dyskinesia, associated with Parkinson’s disease.
The small molecule, called PD13R, reduced dyskinesia by more than 85% in the marmoset animal model of Parkinson’s disease.
Additionally, the animals got much better sleep taking this compound compared to another drug often prescribed for dyskinesia.
Dyskinesia is a common side effect in patients with Parkinson’s disease.
It is not a symptom of the disease itself but typically emerges about five years into taking levodopa, the leading medication used to restore balance, reduce shaking and manage other motor control issues patients experience.
Designing drugs for Parkinson’s and its side effects is notoriously difficult. This is in part due to the progressive nature of the disease as neurons deteriorate, and because it involves the neurotransmitter dopamine.
In the study, the team aimed at a compound that only binds to dopamine receptor #3 (D3). They found PD13R as a likely candidate and predicted how it would bind to D3.
They explored how well the compound targeted the D3 receptor compared to the other dopamine receptors in cell culture tests.
They found it had a 1,486-times higher selectivity for D3 than for D2, which is the most similar in structure.
The team then administered PD13R to an animal model of Parkinson’s. When treated with PD13R, dyskinesia dropped dramatically.
They also found that PD13R may be a good treatment option without this side effect.
The team plans to continue with safety and efficacy studies required by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) before human clinical trials can begin.
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The study is published in the journal Experimental Neurology. One author of the study is Marcel Daadi, Ph.D.
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